FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a laxative used orally to relieve occasional constipation, and some topical products are used on skin and hair.

Brand names Humco Castor OilWell at Walgreens Castor OilDDM Castor OilDe La Cruz Castor OilGNP Castor Oil +11 more
OTC Forms 4 Routes Oral · Topical
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 15, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 28 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveJun 13, 2025
Clinical labels in scope ⓘ28
AvailabilityOTC
Earliest approval/marketing year ⓘ1989
FDA-listed product records ⓘ66
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Sep 26, 2026
⭐ Castor Oil at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
Oral castor oil is a short-term laxative that typically produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours, making it useful for occasional constipation. Do not use it for more than one week, and stop if you have rectal bleeding or no results. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →

📖 Castor Oil: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Castor Oil — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for▾

Castor oil is used in two main ways across different products — taken by mouth as a laxative, or applied to the skin and hair.

  • Occasional constipation (oral use): Castor Oil, DDM Castor Oil, Foster and Thrive Castor Oil, Freskaro Castor Oil, GNP Castor Oil, Harris Teeter Castor Oil, De La Cruz Castor Oil, Leader Castor Oil, Top Care Castor Oil, and Well at Walgreens Castor Oil are each approved for temporary relief of occasional constipation. A bowel movement is generally expected within 6 to 12 hours.
  • Skin and hair (topical use): Black Castor oil (topical) is used for fading scars and stretch marks, thickening eyelashes, promoting hair growth, moisturizing, and castor oil packs.
  • Other topical uses: The topical liquid Castor oil product lists uses such as promoting sleep, liver detoxification, reducing swelling and stress, colon cleansing, and improving inflammation.
💊How it's taken▾

Oral castor oil products are taken by mouth as a single daily dose. Most oral labels recommend taking it on an empty stomach, and mixing it with juice is a common tip to make the taste more tolerable. Do not use for longer than one week without a doctor's guidance. For topical products, apply externally to the skin or hair only — do not swallow.

  • Children under 2 years old: consult a doctor before use (oral products).
  • Always follow your specific product's label and your prescriber's instructions for the right amount and timing.
🤒Side effects — in detail▾

The oral castor oil labels do not list common side effects by name, but important reactions to watch for include:

  • Rectal bleeding after use — stop and call a doctor right away
  • No bowel movement after taking the laxative — stop and ask a doctor

If you experience overdose symptoms, contact a Poison Control Center or get emergency medical help immediately.

⚠️Warnings & precautions▾
  • Don't use if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — these may signal a serious problem, and using a laxative could make it worse.
  • Don't use for more than one week — frequent or prolonged laxative use can cause your bowels to depend on the medication to function.
  • Sudden change in bowel habits lasting over two weeks? Ask a doctor before using any laxative.
  • Stop and call a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after use — these can indicate a serious condition.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ask a health professional before using oral castor oil.
  • Topical Black Castor oil: For external use only; stop if redness or irritation develops; keep away from flames and high heat.
🔀What it interacts with▾

There is limited interaction information on the labels, but one important point applies to oral castor oil products:

  • Other medications: Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any other drug — laxatives can potentially affect how other medicines are absorbed.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

📋Before taking it▾
  • Do not use oral castor oil if you currently have abdominal (belly) pain, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Do not use oral castor oil for more than one week without a doctor's direction.
  • Tell your doctor first if you have had a sudden, unexplained change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before using any oral castor oil product.
  • Children under 2 years of age: do not use oral castor oil without first consulting a doctor.
  • Let your pharmacist know about all other medications you take before starting oral castor oil.
🚑If you take too much▾

If too much castor oil is taken, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — act immediately.

📦How to store it▾

Keep tightly closed and away from excessive heat.

📄 Written from Castor Oil’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Castor Oil — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

How quickly will castor oil work for constipation? ▾
Most people can expect a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of taking a dose. So if you take it in the morning, you'll likely see results before the end of the day. Because it works fairly fast, some people prefer to take it when they know they'll be close to a bathroom.
Should I take it with food or on an empty stomach? ▾
The labels for most oral castor oil products recommend taking it on an empty stomach for best results. If the taste is a problem — and it can be — try mixing it with juice. That's a well-known trick that makes it much easier to get down.
Can I use castor oil every day for ongoing constipation? ▾
No — you should only use oral castor oil for occasional, short-term constipation. The label is clear that you should not use it for more than one week. Using laxatives too frequently can actually cause your bowels to rely on them, which makes the problem worse over time. If you're dealing with ongoing constipation, talk to your doctor about other options.
When should I stop using it and call a doctor? ▾
Stop right away and call your doctor if you notice rectal bleeding or if you don't have a bowel movement after taking the product. These can be signs of something more serious that needs medical attention. Also, don't start using a laxative at all if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — check with a doctor first.
Is it safe to use if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? ▾
The label specifically says to ask a health professional before using oral castor oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. This is an important step — don't skip it. Your doctor or midwife can help you decide if it's appropriate for your situation.
Can I give castor oil to my child? ▾
Children under 2 years old should not be given oral castor oil without first consulting a doctor. For children 2 and older, the amount is different from the adult dose, so follow the directions on your specific product's label carefully. When in doubt, check with your pediatrician or pharmacist.
Is Castor Oil available over the counter? ▾
Yes — Castor Oil is available over the counter (without a prescription) in at least some forms, according to its FDA labeling. Follow the package directions and ask your pharmacist if you're unsure which product is right for you.
When was Castor Oil first available? ▾
Castor Oil has been available in the United States since at least 1989, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
Who makes Castor Oil? ▾
Castor Oil is supplied by 36 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including Humco Holding Group, Inc., Topco Associates Llc, Pharma Nobis, LLC.

💬 Answers drafted from Castor Oil’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

🧰 Keep exploring

🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerCastor Oil vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Castor Oil NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication

💊 How Castor Oil comes

Castor Oil is available in 4 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Oral solution

By mouth
Brands DDM Castor Oil Foster and Thrive Castor Oil Freskaro Castor Oil GNP Castor Oil Harris Teeter Castor Oil Health Mart Castor Oil Humco Castor Oil Premiere Value Castor Oil Quality Choice Castor Oil Rite Aid Castor Oil
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Castor Oil, DDM Castor Oil, Foster and Thrive Castor Oil, Freskaro Castor Oil, GNP Castor Oil, and Harris Teeter Castor Oil are used orally for temporary relief of occasional constipation.
  • A bowel movement is generally expected within 6 to 12 hours of taking the dose.
Important instructions
  • Foster and Thrive Castor Oil, GNP Castor Oil, DDM Castor Oil, and Freskaro Castor Oil: preferably take on an empty stomach; may be mixed with juice to improve taste.
  • Harris Teeter Castor Oil: preferably take on an empty stomach; may be taken with juice to improve taste.
  • Children under 2 years of age: consult a doctor before use (all brands in this form).
  • Take as a single daily dose or as directed by a doctor; do not use for more than one week.
Available strengths 4 strengths
1 mg/mL 1 g/mL 1000 mg/mL 1 mL/mL
53 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Other oral form

By mouth
Brands De La Cruz Castor Oil LEADER Castor Leader Castor Oil Top Care Castor Oil Well at Walgreens Castor Oil
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • De La Cruz Castor Oil, Leader Castor Oil, Top Care Castor Oil, and Well at Walgreens Castor Oil are used for temporary relief of occasional constipation.
  • A bowel movement is generally produced within 6 to 12 hours.
Important instructions
  • De La Cruz Castor Oil and Top Care Castor Oil: preferably take on an empty stomach; may be taken with juice to improve the taste.
  • Leader Castor Oil and Well at Walgreens Castor Oil: take as a single daily dose or as directed by a doctor.
  • De La Cruz Castor Oil: children under 2 years — consult a doctor; do not give to children under 2 without medical guidance.
  • Leader Castor Oil and Well at Walgreens Castor Oil: children under 2 years of age — do not use; consult a doctor.
Available strengths 2 strengths
1 mg/mL 1 g/mL
11 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical cream, ointment or gel

On the skin
Brands Black Castor oil
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Black Castor oil is used topically for fading scars and stretch marks.
  • Black Castor oil is used to thicken eyelashes and promote hair growth.
  • Black Castor oil is used as a moisturizing oil and for castor oil packs.
Important instructions
  • Black Castor oil: for external use only — do not swallow.
  • Black Castor oil: keep away from flames and high heat.
  • Black Castor oil: discontinue use immediately if redness or irritation occurs.
  • Black Castor oil: keep out of reach of children.
Available strengths 1 strength
100 g/100 mL
1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

Topical solution

On the skin
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Castor oil (topical liquid) is listed for uses including promoting sleep, liver detoxification, reducing swelling, reducing stress, colon cleansing, and improving inflammation.
Available strengths 1 strength
1000 mg/mL
1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

📊 Castor Oil across the U.S. market

How Castor Oil appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

4
Dose forms ⓘ
36
Manufacturers
19
Brand names
66
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1989
First marketed ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Humco Holding Group, Inc.9%
Topco Associates Llc6%
Pharma Nobis, LLC5%
Vi-Jon, LLC5%
Discount Drug Mart5%
DLC Laboratories, Inc.5%
Other makers67%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

🔍 Compare Castor Oil products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Castor Oil — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 66 of 66 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 66 Castor Oil NDCs →

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Castor Oil RxCUI 2129 3 dose forms · 2 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 371307 No current FDA listing
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 378763 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1000 MG/ML RxCUI 204691
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 371308 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 600 MG/ML RxCUI 309034

Look up RxCUI 2129 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

🏷️ Sold under these brand names

Humco Castor Oil Well at Walgreens Castor Oil DDM Castor Oil De La Cruz Castor Oil GNP Castor Oil Harris Teeter Castor Oil Foster and Thrive Castor Oil Leader Castor Oil Premiere Value Castor Oil Quality Choice Castor Oil Rite Aid Castor Oil Top Care Castor Oil Freskaro Castor Oil Health Mart Castor Oil Black Castor oil LEADER Castor

🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

Humco Holding Group, Inc. 6 Topco Associates Llc 4 Pharma Nobis, LLC 3 Vi-Jon, LLC 3 Discount Drug Mart 3 DLC Laboratories, Inc. 3 Amerisource Bergen 2 Retail Business Services, Llc. 2 Rite Aid Corporation. 2 Strategic Sourcing Services LLC 2 Nice-Pak Products, LLC 2 Strategic Sourcing Services, LLC 2 Kroger Co 2 Harris Teeter, LLC 2 United Natural Foods, Inc. dba UNFI 2 CVS Pharmacy 2 Walgreen Co 2 Chain Drug Market Asociation 2 Chain Drug Consortium 2 Cardinal Health 2 Unfi 1 Strategic Sourcing Services 1 Walgreen Co. 1 Xiamen Panmai Technology Co., Ltd 1

…and 12 more on the FDA NDC directory.

RxNorm drug class

Castor Oil belongs to the Contact laxatives class.

Drug family (ATC) Contact laxatives

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

🔬 Where this comes from

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jun 13, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Castor Oil.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Castor Oil after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
28
NDC products indexed
66
Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
36
Linked representative label ⓘ
DLC Laboratories, Inc.
Linked label effective
Jun 13, 2025
Composite sections available
8
Linked SPL Set ID
22fbad2e-e9fa-46ba-8617-ad79483cbe9a
Linked SPL Document ID
377a5b4a-a015-ee13-e063-6394a90a2950
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How we combine label and product data

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 28 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

For canonical ingredient pages, bounded product-attributed indication and administration excerpts may be added to the AI evidence, and the generator is instructed to preserve available product, brand, route, and form qualifiers instead of treating one label as universal. Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. DLC Laboratories, Inc. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.